Dan Evans- could use a more powerful racquet?

[tennispro492]

Think he could use some free power, the wilson six one 95 he uses now has moderate power, but watching his match against alcaraz right now exposed his lack of power, perhaps also due to his slighter stature and maybe even his forehand technique isn't perfect. There are other racquets such as the Prince Ripstick which also take slice very well but are significantly more powerful, perhaps to start winning against the top players more regularly he could make a switch.

 

[McGradey]

Could benefit him to use something easier, but the 6.1 has been a very reliable tool for serve & volley and slicing for more than 20 years—and that's Evans' game in a nutshell. Alcaraz on a good day can easily bully anyone from the baseline, whether they carry a classic player's stick or a modern racquet.

Interesting thought but pretty risky for a guy DE's age.

 

[Booger]

Why not RF97? Duh.

 

[stingstang]

IDK why people think the 6.1 is a low power frame? Every version packs a serious punch. The PSC, K and Hyper versions were raw and brutally powerful, especially as 16x18.

It’s the hairy chested, big block V8 of tennis rackets.

 

[chrischris]

Is he mot using an Ncode sixone 95 in pj?

 

[Curtennis]

I think Alcaraz beats Danny boy 7/10 times regardless of racquet.

 

[Antónis]

The strange thing here is a bunch of people thinking they know better than a pro player what racquets suits him better…
Do you think you know more about gear than him? Or what feels ok when he plays?
Do you you think he doesn't test stuff, like strings or whatever? Even other racquets?
So, why does he keeps playing with (supposedly) the N-Code 6.1 18x20 ?
Or, on another level, Murray with his trustful PT57A, or a bunch of similar examples?
Very simple: because that's what they are used to, and it keeps other variants out of the equation.
They are creature of habits, and some of them just can't change gear

 

[Booger]

The strange thing here is a bunch of people thinking they know better than a pro player what racquets suits him better…
Do you think you know more about gear than him? Or what feels ok when he plays?

No, I feel it's the opposite actually. Most pros are probably using suboptimal setups because they choose equipment based on superstition, stubbornness, or just want to avoid the adjustment curve at all costs.

It's a very difficult thing, psychologically, to be objective about equipment. Your brain ties itself to certain setups and it's hard to break that connection, even if there's something that might be better. I know a former D1 singles player, arm hurts so bad he can only play 1x/week now. Refuses to use anything except an APD with Luxilon Alu @ 62 lbs.

 

[Antónis]

No, I feel it's the opposite actually. Most pros are probably using suboptimal setups because they choose equipment based on superstition, stubbornness, or just want to avoid the adjustment curve at all costs.

It's a very difficult thing, psychologically, to be objective about equipment. Your brain ties itself to certain setups and it's hard to break that connection, even if there's something that might be better. I know a former D1 singles player, arm hurts so bad he can only play 1x/week now. Refuses to use anything except an APD with Luxilon Alu @ 62 lbs.

You have the other size of the question: how many change racquets, even brands, somewhere mid careers and they do well, or better?
Like JL Struff...
Medvedev moved to Tecnifibre not long ago. Roublev from Wilson to Head too. Shapovalov to Yonex..... All young guys, with the older guys it's harder...

I mean, RF changed, took him about 2 years to learn how to play with the bigger racquet, Novak changed, but still the same racquet with easier specs, Murray was testing not long ago, Rafa was adding weight a couple years ago...
They are creatures of habits, just that

 

[am1899]

More often than not, it’s not a good move for a player like Evans. Evans is never going be a take the racquet out of the opponent’s hand kind of player.

Chang tried something like what you’re suggesting - he switched to a longer racquet to get more pop on his first serve. He got more pop. But his 1st serve percentage plummeted. Didn’t exactly pan out. Ferrer switched to a Pure Drive. That didn’t pan out either.

Not saying Evans can’t switch. But to me the best parts of his game really aren’t suited to a stiff, powerful frame.

 

[ichaseballs]

isn't the blade the modern version of the classic players racquet?
that seems like it would be the logical jump for him if he switched.
would be exciting to see him use a yonex...

 

[asifallasleep]

Evans and Dimitrov would both benefit from the power of the H22.